RC Airline Using More Efficient Planes

(TVLW) – Despite strong sales, high fuel prices are forcing several major airlines to cut back the number of seats available. Frontier Airlines is trying to get ahead of the rising fuel costs, by using more efficient planes.

Frontier began twice daily service from Rapid City to Denver in October using regional jets, but soon the airline will switch to Q400’s.

“It’s a great turboprop that’s very fast, very fuel efficient. In fact, it burns a third of the fuel of the regional jets that fly between here and Denver and it carries an additional 20 passengers,” says Mason Short, Rapid City Regional Airport Executive Director.

The new planes were awaiting FAA certification and weren’t supposed to fly in until Friday. But Frontier surprised Short this morning, when they told him the planes will be headed for the Black Hills Thursday.

“In addition they are going to be starting the third flight tomorrow as opposed to waiting until January 18th,” adds Short.

That means the airline will have three flights going to and from Denver each day.

“Having the additional frequency will allow people to make better connections in and out of Denver,” says Short.

Short hopes it will also reduce costs, for passengers buying tickets and for airlines that are paying more for fuel.

Just to give you an idea of how the new planes are affecting the cost for plane tickets already, Frontier has non-stop flights to Denver this weekend for only 50 dollars.